New home brings joy to grandpa

Jone Ramumu stands in front of his new home constructed under the Poverty Alleviation Program. Picture: SUPPLIED

A 76-YEAR-old villager of Wainadoi Village along the Queens Rd can now rest in the comfort of his newly constructed home.

Jone Ramumu is a recipient of the government's Poverty Alleviation Programme (PEP), having received a sum of $11,321 to buy materials to construct his rural home.

He was so grateful for the government assistance, words did not come easily.

"I asked for government assistance to build my house about a year ago and I am glad that my plea was heard. It shows there are people who care about old people like us in desperate need of help," Mr Ramumu said.

"I did not pay a single cent from my pocket to construct the house.

"One of my four sons, who is a carpenter, constructed the house without pay to help me. The villagers of Wainadoi gave me a piece of land and also helped in the construction works.

"I will forever be grateful to everyone who has assisted me at this stage of my life."

Mr Ramumu was identified for the program last year through the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation and work was undertaken along with the Commissioner Central's assistance.

Commissioner Laisenia Tuitubou said the poverty program was in alignment with government's commitment to assisting the "poorest of the poor".

"The construction of Mr Ramumu's house began before Christmas last year and took only a few weeks to complete," Mr Tuitubou said.

"This is all part of government's programs focused on individual wellbeing and enhancing the living standards of all Fijians."